Windsor
Castle history

The original construction, a motte and bailey (an artificial hill with
with a fenced area at the top), was built for William the Conqueror around
the year 1080. Originally part of a ring of defences around London, Windsor
Castle gradually became a popular Royal residence because of the good
hunting in the nearby forest. The Round Tower, along with the original
outer wall, was erected for King Henry II.

Further improvements and enlargements took place over the centuries until
the magnificent castle we see today finally emerged in 1830. A favourite
of Queen Victoria, the castle survived for most of the last century with
few changes.

The
fire

20 November 1992 was a black day for Windsor Castle. A fire, started
it is thought by a workman's spotlight, caught hold in the Private Chapel.
Quickly spreading above the wooden ceiling panelling, the fire raged out
of control for hours and gutted many rooms. The smoke and flames were
visible for miles around. Flames could be seen shooting out from the roof
of one of the towers, almost making it look like a huge firework.

Windsor castle is now fully reopened to the visitor after the painstaking
restoration at a cost of almost £40 million. The damaged rooms were
restored to their original state. The gutted areas were rebuilt to new
designs in keeping with the old.